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ICD-10 Coding for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome(M96.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Postlaminectomy SyndromePersistent Spinal Pain SyndromePost-surgical Spine Syndromefailed neck surgery syndromefbss

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

M96.1Primary Range

Postlaminectomy syndrome

Primary ICD-10 code for failed back surgery syndrome, used when symptoms are linked to prior spinal surgery.

Dorsalgia

Includes codes for back pain that may be used as ancillary codes.

Pain, not elsewhere classified

Includes codes for chronic pain that may be used as ancillary codes.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for failed back surgery syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for failed back surgery syndrome is M96.1, used for postlaminectomy syndrome linked to prior spinal surgery.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for failed back surgery syndrome

Postlaminectomy syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Persistent pain post-surgery with imaging evidence

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of prior spinal surgery

Applicable To

  • Failed back surgery syndrome

Excludes

  • Mechanical complication of internal orthopedic device, implant, and graft (T84.0-T84.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented history of spinal surgery such as laminectomy or discectomy
  • Imaging showing epidural fibrosis or recurrent stenosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using without documented surgical history
  • Confusing with mechanical complications

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links symptoms to prior surgery.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Low back pain

M54.5
Use if axial pain predominates.

Chronic pain syndrome

G89.4
Add if pain persists >3 months with functional impairment.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Recurrent lumbar disc herniation

M51.26
Use when MRI confirms disc protrusion at the surgical level.

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region

M48.06
Use if new stenosis unrelated to surgery is identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Failed Back Surgery Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M96.1.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed surgical history, Include specific imaging results

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document prior spinal surgery before coding.

Impact

Lack of documented surgical history can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all patient records include detailed surgical history.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurosurgery Progress Note

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • Chief Complaint
  • Imaging
  • Assessment

Example Documentation

Chief Complaint: Persistent right leg pain radiating to foot, unchanged since L4-L5 laminectomy on 01/2024.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chronic low back pain.
Good Documentation Example
Persistent radicular pain in L5 distribution, 8 months post-L4-L5 laminectomy, MRI confirms epidural fibrosis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific surgical history and imaging findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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